Cub Scout Camping at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Cast
Myself
DW
Grace
Claire
Ben - Wolf Scout
We had decided to leave our 2 yr old, Susannah with DW's mom because we thought it would be it hard for her in the tent. It was our first camping experience so that was going to be trying enough.
Friday 5/5/06
I took the day off and started packing up the van as soon as DW and the older kids left to go to their Friday Homeschool group called Classical Conversations.
Then Susannah and I ran a few errands and I dropped her off at Mimi's (Her German Grandmother). DW and the kids were back by 12:15 and around 12:30 we were off. we stopped at a local McDonalds drive thru for a bit of lunch to bring and were headed on that familiar drive east on I-4 towards WDW. As usual the drive was great until we go into the WDW area and the traffic came to a halt. Not as bad as last time so after 20 minutes we were through and soon at our EPCOT exit. This is our usual exit so we made the familiar loop and saw the entrance. The kids always start up when they see the characters by the entrances. We go through and are soon at the gates to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Resort. We sere directed to the check in counter where we met up with our Pack mother who gave us our resort key, parking pass and a map to our campsite area. We were staying in the group camping area called Creekside Meadows. It is an open field mostly surrounded by trees with sectioned off areas by flags. We could put up our tent in any spot in the Green and Red areas. So after finding the right colored area we saw a few people I knew and then looked for a spot under a tree. Being early we got a nice spot under a big shady tree then unloaded the van. Our 6 man tent was a Christmas present that my son Ben got from his grandmother. I put it up in the backyard a few weeks earlier just so I knew how to do it when the camping event finally arrived. So it took a little while but I had the tent up and soon had all of the gear stored inside. We only brought a few snack items because breakfast was being provided and we figured we would use the Disney accommodations for the other meals. Being that it was our first camping experience we didn't know what all to bring except sleeping bags, air mattresses, flashlights and water. There was a big building called a Comfort Station right next door that included men's and Women's restrooms with showers. It was relatively nice.
After we get set up, one of the boys in Ben's Den showed up with his Mom and siblings and they decided to camp next to use. The father didn't come so myself and another father helped put up their tent. By now the heat was getting to us so we decided to go to the pool. The pool wasn't very far so we walked to it and on the way we noticed the area where the Campfire event took place so I made a mental note for later that night. The pool was pretty big. There wasn't a slide but it was refreshing. One of the big differences is that they do not supply towels. Luckily, I had called ahead that morning to check so we brought towels with us.
After our swim we were getting hungry so we trekked back to the campsite. we had to walk right through the single campsites and saw all these travel trailers and RV's. Nice....When we go to the meadow, there were allot more tents being put up and the front section was nearly filled with a Boy Scouts troop. We then changed and caught a bus to Pioneer Hall. There is an internal bus system that is color coded. I didn't totally understand but I knew we were on the Purple line. When we got to Pioneer Hall we got to see our first glimpse, at least the outside, of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. We knew that was out so we walked up to the Trails End Buffet and put in our names and within 10 minutes we were seated right next to the food. I thought the food was great but DW wasn't too thrilled. It was allot of meat which is right up my alley. DW had the salmon and Chicken and Dumplings and they wee not that great. I stuffed myself and then we checked out the grounds a little. We saw a few bunnies and then checked out the beach. Checking the time we decided that we had better get back to the Campfire for the program that evening. With the buses being confusing I just kept asking each driver until one said this is it. So we took the Yellow bus to the Campfire area and found a bench about mid-way through the seats. DW went for a drink and came back with supplies to make smores. They lit two campfires on either end of the area seating area and our kids soon were roasting marshmallows. They would come back and DW and I would help them put together the smores. I had one myself but it was little too rich for me. Next they was a guitar singer and Chip & Dale came out and we sang songs until just after dark. It was now time for the movie. There was a big movie screen, I'd say about half the size of a theatre screen. And the movie for the night was Chicken Little. We had just borrowed this from our Nephew but the kids loved it anyway. About half way through the movie the wooden bench started to take it's tole on my backside so the comfort level wasn't that great.
The movie ended about 10 PM so we walked on back to the campsite. I brought along 2 flashlights because I knew it was going to be dark when we went back and boy did we need them. As we walked up to the campsite we heard this loud music in distance. There is supposedly a 10 PM noise ordinance at the campsite but it appeared that someone wasn't following it.
So we are lying in or on our sleeping bags and the music is still playing. DW woke up around midnight and the music is still playing. I woke up later in the morning, probably around 2:30 am and it is still playing.
Saturday 5/6/06
We wake up around 7:20 or so and hear lots of folks stirring around. We get dressed and walk over to the grills for breakfast. The Cub Scout Pack is supplying breakfast for everyone. It was French Toast and bacon. It was very good. It always seems that anything cooked outdoors tastes really good. I walk up to a couple of fathers that I know and we start talking about the music the night before and I find out it was Grad Night at the MK. Now it makes sense but I then realize it would be the same that the night.
Anyway we eat breakfast then gather for the opening ceremonies to the Pack Campout. Everyone salutes the flag and says the Pledge of Allegiance then we are supposed to break of into our individual Dens for activities. Our Den Mother is really sick and couldn't make the trip so the backup leader says we will go on a Nature Walk. Sounds good to me. Ben and his twin sister Claire are both game but DW and Grace decide to pass. They decide to go to DTD where we will meet them later around noon when we are to have the rest of the day as family time. We even toyed with the idea of going to a park in the afternoon.
Right after DW and Grace leave we gather and the plan has changed. They now want to do a tour of the different transportations available in Disney. So we hop on the Purple line bus to the Outpost then catch a bus to EPCOT. From there we ride the monorail to TTC and switch to another monorail to the MK. Then the plan was to take the boat back to Fort Wilderness. I speak up and say that we are going to break off and catch a bus to DTD to meet the rest of our family. We say our goodbyes then walk to the buses. I ask a CM about the bus to DTD and he informs me that you have to go to a resort to catch that bus. No real problem, we walk to the CR, which really isn't that long of a walk, and get a seat at the bus station. Now we never stay at the CR so we have no real gauge but the buses were really slow. We sat for 30 minutes and only 2 buses came with the 2nd one being for us. It is labeled Downtown Disney and Typhoon Lagoon. We get aboard then head to the Polynesian resort for more riders. After filling the bus we then head over to DTD going by OKW and SSR. I explain to the twins that SSR is where DW and I stayed a few weeks earlier and how we walked to DTD. We pull up to the station and I notice my cell phone had a message on it. I check and DW had left me a message 10 minutes earlier stating that she and Grace were renting a Sea Raycer, Small boat, and would see us at Captain Jack's Marina within 30 minutes. So we stroll on over and get a seat by the water. I walk inside and get a couple of snacks for the kids and we wait until DW and Grace get back. When they pull up Grace is beaming from ear to ear. She loved it and after promising the twins that someday they could do this we were off to lunch. We stopped in the Pin Station store and resisted temptation and went on to find the Earl of Sandwich, which we found out was right next door. We walked in and there was a long line but we knew that it would be the same everywhere so no big deal. We soon get our lunch choices and luckily enough DW is able to snag a corner booth so we can sit inside. This was our first experience with The Earl of Sandwich and we were all impressed. We will definitely be going back when the opportunity arises. We discuss what we are going to do next and I realize that I had forgotten the passes in the tent. I offered to go retrieve them but we decided it would take too long. So the plan was for DW and Grace to go back and rest and I would take the twins to see DTD. We would all meet up later and go swimming.
So DW and Grace head out and I take the twins to the World of Disney to see the Adventure room and of course the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique. Ben loves the Adventure room and Claire of course is enthralled with the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique. I have to drag them out and we then are off to the Lego Imagination Center. This is one of Ben's favorite places. He just loves the Lego Star Wars items but I explain that it is not within our budget for this weekend so he is okay. I take the 2 of them into the adjoining McDonald's and we all get a milkshake for the road. We make it back to the bus stop and sit for about 20 minutes then our bus pulls up. On the way back we stop at Typhoon Lagoon but do not pick up any riders. The kids really want to try this or Blizzard Beach but we are not sure when or which one it will be. After a short ride we pull up to the Outpost at Fort Wilderness and as luck would have it the Purple line bus pulls right up behind us. So we load up and imagine my surprise when we look on board and there is DW and Grace still getting back from earlier. It turns out that the Fort Wilderness bus had broken down a the bus stop so they decided to hop onto the CR bus and take the boat back to Fort Wilderness. From there they caught the purple line bus and we met up. I think there was also some shopping in between but I am not sure on the details. So we are all off towards Creekside Meadows and immediately the heat tells us to go swimming. So we change and head on over to the pool. We swim for a hour or two then go back and shower and change. Some of the group was going to the campfire sing along and the movie Lilo and Stitch but we decided to pass and instead drive over to POR and eat at the food court. After dinner we walked through the general store then went into the arcade to let the little and big kids play. DW had suggested that we take kids to see Piano Bob since we had such a great time a couple of weeks earlier.
We got a table up close and Bob came over and talked to us before his show. All throughout the show he kept on referring to his friends Ben, Claire and Grace. At 10:00, he took a break so the kids got autographed photos and we drove back to our campsite. DW decided to go to bed but the rest of us took our remaining Smores items and finished them off at one of the fires nearby. We were in bed by 11:00 and went to sleep being serenaded by..........you guessed it "GRAD NIGHT".
Sunday 5/7/06
We all get up around 7:00 and DW and I both have sore throats and feel like we slept in a tent. Well you know what I mean. Not feeling the best.
We all get dresses and then head over to the grilling area for breakfast. Today we are having Omelets that you boil in a bag. Sounds interesting. You put your eggs in a zip lock bag then add the fixins that you want. You close the bag mix it up then plop it into some boiling water for a few minutes and viola... an omelet. They were awfully good too. You can also just do eggs and they are like scrambled eggs.
After breakfast we pack up the equipment and roll up the tent. Since DW and I didn't feel very good this was really tiring. We finally got everything packed away and I had to go take a shower. I always pack an extra days clothes when we travel. In this heat I tend to sweat and with the workout from taking down and carry the tent to our van I needed it. After the shower we said our goodbyes then we were off. I mentioned that we brought along our passes just incase we needed them so we decided to go to EPCOT for a few hours to let the kids see the Flower & Garden Festival. The girls loved the idea, Ben did not. He wanted to go to MGM but I told him we would try to go for a day soon for the Star Wars Weekends so he agreed. We got in and went right to Space Ship earth. We made it just past the top, you know where they turn you around to go back down and we stopped. We sat there for a good 10 minutes with the announcements telling us we were stopped. I think we heard that announcement in at least 5 different voices. I think they want you to think allot of people are working on the problem. We were soon off and while DW needed a break the rest of us went to get Fast Passes for Soarin'. Now Ben can be funny about rides and even though he had been on Soarin' a few times he didn't want to go but I got 5 Fast passes anyway just in case. We then met up with DW and needed a drink so we stopped at Ice Station Cool for a few drinks. They were out of the China & Japan flavors so there were only 3 or 4 to try. Of course I tricked Ben into the Beverly again. I am so bad sometimes. Our Fast Pass time was still an hour and 1/2 away so we headed into Innoventions. We played for about 30 minutes then decided to check out the Butterfly area and let the kids burn off a little steam on the Spider Web Playground. We then headed around the World Showcase. DW thought that we might try and get a takeout bite to eat at Norway but when we got there really wasn't much the kids would have liked so we decide to pass and just go eat at the Land and wait for Soarin. On the way back we stopped at Mexico to ride the boat ride. That song they play is still in my head. We then headed back but DW and the girls stopped to talk to an artist who painted in water colors. They talked for over 20 minutes before they finally saw me dying on the bench next to them and we were finally going to the Land for lunch. The girls got their lunches first while Ben and I stayed at the table then we switched off and we got ours. When the girls finished they went on Soarin' and I stayed with Ben . They loved the ride but feeling run down I passed and ended up giving our last 2 Fast Passes to a couple we saw walking in as we left. We were soon at the van and driving home. We really didn't plan on allot of Park activity so the short stay was not really an issue. Made it home then we had to unpack everything then DW started the mountain of laundry.
Interesting trip. Not sure if we like the camping but it was nice to try. I wish there were more activities with the Pack but maybe next year as they get older.
Cast
Myself
DW
Grace
Claire
Ben - Wolf Scout
We had decided to leave our 2 yr old, Susannah with DW's mom because we thought it would be it hard for her in the tent. It was our first camping experience so that was going to be trying enough.
Friday 5/5/06
I took the day off and started packing up the van as soon as DW and the older kids left to go to their Friday Homeschool group called Classical Conversations.
Then Susannah and I ran a few errands and I dropped her off at Mimi's (Her German Grandmother). DW and the kids were back by 12:15 and around 12:30 we were off. we stopped at a local McDonalds drive thru for a bit of lunch to bring and were headed on that familiar drive east on I-4 towards WDW. As usual the drive was great until we go into the WDW area and the traffic came to a halt. Not as bad as last time so after 20 minutes we were through and soon at our EPCOT exit. This is our usual exit so we made the familiar loop and saw the entrance. The kids always start up when they see the characters by the entrances. We go through and are soon at the gates to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Resort. We sere directed to the check in counter where we met up with our Pack mother who gave us our resort key, parking pass and a map to our campsite area. We were staying in the group camping area called Creekside Meadows. It is an open field mostly surrounded by trees with sectioned off areas by flags. We could put up our tent in any spot in the Green and Red areas. So after finding the right colored area we saw a few people I knew and then looked for a spot under a tree. Being early we got a nice spot under a big shady tree then unloaded the van. Our 6 man tent was a Christmas present that my son Ben got from his grandmother. I put it up in the backyard a few weeks earlier just so I knew how to do it when the camping event finally arrived. So it took a little while but I had the tent up and soon had all of the gear stored inside. We only brought a few snack items because breakfast was being provided and we figured we would use the Disney accommodations for the other meals. Being that it was our first camping experience we didn't know what all to bring except sleeping bags, air mattresses, flashlights and water. There was a big building called a Comfort Station right next door that included men's and Women's restrooms with showers. It was relatively nice.
After we get set up, one of the boys in Ben's Den showed up with his Mom and siblings and they decided to camp next to use. The father didn't come so myself and another father helped put up their tent. By now the heat was getting to us so we decided to go to the pool. The pool wasn't very far so we walked to it and on the way we noticed the area where the Campfire event took place so I made a mental note for later that night. The pool was pretty big. There wasn't a slide but it was refreshing. One of the big differences is that they do not supply towels. Luckily, I had called ahead that morning to check so we brought towels with us.
After our swim we were getting hungry so we trekked back to the campsite. we had to walk right through the single campsites and saw all these travel trailers and RV's. Nice....When we go to the meadow, there were allot more tents being put up and the front section was nearly filled with a Boy Scouts troop. We then changed and caught a bus to Pioneer Hall. There is an internal bus system that is color coded. I didn't totally understand but I knew we were on the Purple line. When we got to Pioneer Hall we got to see our first glimpse, at least the outside, of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. We knew that was out so we walked up to the Trails End Buffet and put in our names and within 10 minutes we were seated right next to the food. I thought the food was great but DW wasn't too thrilled. It was allot of meat which is right up my alley. DW had the salmon and Chicken and Dumplings and they wee not that great. I stuffed myself and then we checked out the grounds a little. We saw a few bunnies and then checked out the beach. Checking the time we decided that we had better get back to the Campfire for the program that evening. With the buses being confusing I just kept asking each driver until one said this is it. So we took the Yellow bus to the Campfire area and found a bench about mid-way through the seats. DW went for a drink and came back with supplies to make smores. They lit two campfires on either end of the area seating area and our kids soon were roasting marshmallows. They would come back and DW and I would help them put together the smores. I had one myself but it was little too rich for me. Next they was a guitar singer and Chip & Dale came out and we sang songs until just after dark. It was now time for the movie. There was a big movie screen, I'd say about half the size of a theatre screen. And the movie for the night was Chicken Little. We had just borrowed this from our Nephew but the kids loved it anyway. About half way through the movie the wooden bench started to take it's tole on my backside so the comfort level wasn't that great.
The movie ended about 10 PM so we walked on back to the campsite. I brought along 2 flashlights because I knew it was going to be dark when we went back and boy did we need them. As we walked up to the campsite we heard this loud music in distance. There is supposedly a 10 PM noise ordinance at the campsite but it appeared that someone wasn't following it.
So we are lying in or on our sleeping bags and the music is still playing. DW woke up around midnight and the music is still playing. I woke up later in the morning, probably around 2:30 am and it is still playing.
Saturday 5/6/06
We wake up around 7:20 or so and hear lots of folks stirring around. We get dressed and walk over to the grills for breakfast. The Cub Scout Pack is supplying breakfast for everyone. It was French Toast and bacon. It was very good. It always seems that anything cooked outdoors tastes really good. I walk up to a couple of fathers that I know and we start talking about the music the night before and I find out it was Grad Night at the MK. Now it makes sense but I then realize it would be the same that the night.
Anyway we eat breakfast then gather for the opening ceremonies to the Pack Campout. Everyone salutes the flag and says the Pledge of Allegiance then we are supposed to break of into our individual Dens for activities. Our Den Mother is really sick and couldn't make the trip so the backup leader says we will go on a Nature Walk. Sounds good to me. Ben and his twin sister Claire are both game but DW and Grace decide to pass. They decide to go to DTD where we will meet them later around noon when we are to have the rest of the day as family time. We even toyed with the idea of going to a park in the afternoon.
Right after DW and Grace leave we gather and the plan has changed. They now want to do a tour of the different transportations available in Disney. So we hop on the Purple line bus to the Outpost then catch a bus to EPCOT. From there we ride the monorail to TTC and switch to another monorail to the MK. Then the plan was to take the boat back to Fort Wilderness. I speak up and say that we are going to break off and catch a bus to DTD to meet the rest of our family. We say our goodbyes then walk to the buses. I ask a CM about the bus to DTD and he informs me that you have to go to a resort to catch that bus. No real problem, we walk to the CR, which really isn't that long of a walk, and get a seat at the bus station. Now we never stay at the CR so we have no real gauge but the buses were really slow. We sat for 30 minutes and only 2 buses came with the 2nd one being for us. It is labeled Downtown Disney and Typhoon Lagoon. We get aboard then head to the Polynesian resort for more riders. After filling the bus we then head over to DTD going by OKW and SSR. I explain to the twins that SSR is where DW and I stayed a few weeks earlier and how we walked to DTD. We pull up to the station and I notice my cell phone had a message on it. I check and DW had left me a message 10 minutes earlier stating that she and Grace were renting a Sea Raycer, Small boat, and would see us at Captain Jack's Marina within 30 minutes. So we stroll on over and get a seat by the water. I walk inside and get a couple of snacks for the kids and we wait until DW and Grace get back. When they pull up Grace is beaming from ear to ear. She loved it and after promising the twins that someday they could do this we were off to lunch. We stopped in the Pin Station store and resisted temptation and went on to find the Earl of Sandwich, which we found out was right next door. We walked in and there was a long line but we knew that it would be the same everywhere so no big deal. We soon get our lunch choices and luckily enough DW is able to snag a corner booth so we can sit inside. This was our first experience with The Earl of Sandwich and we were all impressed. We will definitely be going back when the opportunity arises. We discuss what we are going to do next and I realize that I had forgotten the passes in the tent. I offered to go retrieve them but we decided it would take too long. So the plan was for DW and Grace to go back and rest and I would take the twins to see DTD. We would all meet up later and go swimming.
So DW and Grace head out and I take the twins to the World of Disney to see the Adventure room and of course the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique. Ben loves the Adventure room and Claire of course is enthralled with the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique. I have to drag them out and we then are off to the Lego Imagination Center. This is one of Ben's favorite places. He just loves the Lego Star Wars items but I explain that it is not within our budget for this weekend so he is okay. I take the 2 of them into the adjoining McDonald's and we all get a milkshake for the road. We make it back to the bus stop and sit for about 20 minutes then our bus pulls up. On the way back we stop at Typhoon Lagoon but do not pick up any riders. The kids really want to try this or Blizzard Beach but we are not sure when or which one it will be. After a short ride we pull up to the Outpost at Fort Wilderness and as luck would have it the Purple line bus pulls right up behind us. So we load up and imagine my surprise when we look on board and there is DW and Grace still getting back from earlier. It turns out that the Fort Wilderness bus had broken down a the bus stop so they decided to hop onto the CR bus and take the boat back to Fort Wilderness. From there they caught the purple line bus and we met up. I think there was also some shopping in between but I am not sure on the details. So we are all off towards Creekside Meadows and immediately the heat tells us to go swimming. So we change and head on over to the pool. We swim for a hour or two then go back and shower and change. Some of the group was going to the campfire sing along and the movie Lilo and Stitch but we decided to pass and instead drive over to POR and eat at the food court. After dinner we walked through the general store then went into the arcade to let the little and big kids play. DW had suggested that we take kids to see Piano Bob since we had such a great time a couple of weeks earlier.
We got a table up close and Bob came over and talked to us before his show. All throughout the show he kept on referring to his friends Ben, Claire and Grace. At 10:00, he took a break so the kids got autographed photos and we drove back to our campsite. DW decided to go to bed but the rest of us took our remaining Smores items and finished them off at one of the fires nearby. We were in bed by 11:00 and went to sleep being serenaded by..........you guessed it "GRAD NIGHT".
Sunday 5/7/06
We all get up around 7:00 and DW and I both have sore throats and feel like we slept in a tent. Well you know what I mean. Not feeling the best.
We all get dresses and then head over to the grilling area for breakfast. Today we are having Omelets that you boil in a bag. Sounds interesting. You put your eggs in a zip lock bag then add the fixins that you want. You close the bag mix it up then plop it into some boiling water for a few minutes and viola... an omelet. They were awfully good too. You can also just do eggs and they are like scrambled eggs.
After breakfast we pack up the equipment and roll up the tent. Since DW and I didn't feel very good this was really tiring. We finally got everything packed away and I had to go take a shower. I always pack an extra days clothes when we travel. In this heat I tend to sweat and with the workout from taking down and carry the tent to our van I needed it. After the shower we said our goodbyes then we were off. I mentioned that we brought along our passes just incase we needed them so we decided to go to EPCOT for a few hours to let the kids see the Flower & Garden Festival. The girls loved the idea, Ben did not. He wanted to go to MGM but I told him we would try to go for a day soon for the Star Wars Weekends so he agreed. We got in and went right to Space Ship earth. We made it just past the top, you know where they turn you around to go back down and we stopped. We sat there for a good 10 minutes with the announcements telling us we were stopped. I think we heard that announcement in at least 5 different voices. I think they want you to think allot of people are working on the problem. We were soon off and while DW needed a break the rest of us went to get Fast Passes for Soarin'. Now Ben can be funny about rides and even though he had been on Soarin' a few times he didn't want to go but I got 5 Fast passes anyway just in case. We then met up with DW and needed a drink so we stopped at Ice Station Cool for a few drinks. They were out of the China & Japan flavors so there were only 3 or 4 to try. Of course I tricked Ben into the Beverly again. I am so bad sometimes. Our Fast Pass time was still an hour and 1/2 away so we headed into Innoventions. We played for about 30 minutes then decided to check out the Butterfly area and let the kids burn off a little steam on the Spider Web Playground. We then headed around the World Showcase. DW thought that we might try and get a takeout bite to eat at Norway but when we got there really wasn't much the kids would have liked so we decide to pass and just go eat at the Land and wait for Soarin. On the way back we stopped at Mexico to ride the boat ride. That song they play is still in my head. We then headed back but DW and the girls stopped to talk to an artist who painted in water colors. They talked for over 20 minutes before they finally saw me dying on the bench next to them and we were finally going to the Land for lunch. The girls got their lunches first while Ben and I stayed at the table then we switched off and we got ours. When the girls finished they went on Soarin' and I stayed with Ben . They loved the ride but feeling run down I passed and ended up giving our last 2 Fast Passes to a couple we saw walking in as we left. We were soon at the van and driving home. We really didn't plan on allot of Park activity so the short stay was not really an issue. Made it home then we had to unpack everything then DW started the mountain of laundry.
Interesting trip. Not sure if we like the camping but it was nice to try. I wish there were more activities with the Pack but maybe next year as they get older.
